6 Contemporary Circus Impresarios

A Twisted Treat

Kato's Catalyst

Hometown Heroes

Ladies and Gents in the House of Yes

Angels and Dragons

Lights, Camera, and Plenty of Action

Cirque Berzerk was founded in 2005 at the annual Burning Man Festival in Nevada. The Los Angeles-based troupe presented their first show under a tent in 2006 and showcased to a 600-person audience without the help of outside advertising. Today, Cirque Berzerk is comprised of 27 performers, and recently completed a run performing to sold-out crowds at Club Nokia in Los Angeles.

Kasumi Kato began her career as an aerialist at a young age. "My mom stuck me in aerial dance lessons at the age of four. I did it all throughout school and basically only took a break during my rebellious teen years," she says. Kato often performs with her older sister Jacosa Kato, also an accomplished aerialist, and is in the process of starting her own company, Aerial Apex.

The Imperial OPA performers have been featured on The Vampire Diaries, and the troupe often showcases around Atlanta, including performances at the High Museum of Art. Their adjunct musical act, The Imperial OPA Band, plays alongside the circus in performance.

House of Yes is the larger entity that supports Lady Circus, run in part by Anya Sapozhnikova. The Brooklyn-based venue hosts a series of circus performances year-round, and the practice space, The Sky Box, trains budding aerialists and circus arts enthusiasts.

The Aerial Angels are reality television stars! Back in 2008, they were featured on the Canadian version of the hit series, Dragon's Den. Thanks to their $250,000 win, they are currently touring the country with their large-scale show, Stand Up 8.

Lucent Dossier Experience is one of the leaders of the new circus movement. Founded in 2004 in Los Angeles, the troupe has performed at a series of high profile events including the Coachella Music and Arts Festival and the 50th Annual Grammy Awards Party. In addition to over-the-top performances, the troupe uses light and sound to create interactive experiences for spectators.